Melo Villareal
15 Places in Camarines Norte That You Should Put on Your Travel Bucket List
You’ll never run out of things to discover when you visit Luzon in the Philippines. In Camarines Norte, part of the Bicol region, there’s so much to enjoy, especially if you love outdoor adventures and rural explorations. Not sure where to go first when you visit Cam Norte? Here’s a list of must-see spots to make your trip worthwhile.
Sitio Coguitin Eco-Tourism & Farm in Labo
Location: Brgy. Canapawan, Labo, Camarines Norte
If you’re into sustainable travel, visit Sitio Coguitin Ecotourism and Farm in Brgy. Canapawan in Labo, Camarines Norte. The area has a natural swimming pool located between two rivers at the foot of Mt. Labo. Be one with nature on a relaxing day tour, alone or with the family, where you can swim, slide, and rest in their affordable floating cottages and nipa huts. You can even sing karaoke here too. The community maintains the area and is open to the public with a Php10 entrance fee per person.
Malatap Falls in Labo
Location: Labo, Camarines Norte
Another must-visit nature spot in Labo is Malatap Falls. It’s not your ordinary waterfall because it’s a bit lower to the ground and broader than usual falls. The waterfall is accessible via a short 10-minute trek from the main road, and it is worth the walk because it cascades into calm waters, perfect for a quick dip in summer.
It is maintained and operated by the members of Malatap Falls Multi-Purpose Cooperative. The vicinity was converted to a mini resort with cottages and clean, comfortable rooms. The entrance fee is only Php 10 per person.
Casanayon Resort in Labo
- Location: Purok 5, Bagong Silang 1, Labo, Camarines Norte
- Facebook: https://facebook.com/casanayonresort/
Looking for family-friendly places in Camarines Norte? Visit Casanayon Resort for an ideal destination if you’re traveling in big groups. The resort offers many bonding activities for you and your family. The resort is also famous for its affordable and delicious food. They also have clean, spacious rooms, cottages, pools, and recreational areas for your convenience. On some occasions, they also hold events that you can attend!
San Nicolas Mangrove Forest in Talisay
Visit the picturesque mangrove forest found in Talisay, Camarines Norte! You can take a stroll or go on a fun bike ride going to this beautiful mangrove forest in Talisay. Here you’ll see many mangrove trees and floating cottages, and soak in the scenic views of this serene spot while kayaking along the mangrove areas.
You can also go on a cruise with your friends and family. We highly recommend sampling their specialty. Tuhoy – cooked in many ways. Tuhoy shells are abundant in the mangrove area, and they offer various cooked tuhoy, which are also prepared by community members. Try their grilled, sisig, balls, lumpia, and tuhoy soup.
Bagasbas Beach in Daet
Surf’s up in this part of town in Daet, Camarines Norte–Bagasbas Beach is one you should visit if you love beaches and water activities. It’s a favorite spot for surfing because of the strong waves. Once you’re here, there are surfing lessons available that you can take on the spot! Cottages are also available if you just want to relax by the beach. Overall, it’s a fun place to swim, play by the sand, surf, and chill.
For those who want to learn to surf, contact Bagasbas Surfers Club, Inc., and look for Mocha.
First Monument of Rizal in Daet
Did you know that the oldest monument of Dr. Jose Rizal is found in Daet? The three-sided monument was built in 1898, just two years after his death. The inscriptions on the monument are two of his most famous literary works, El Filibusterismo and Noli Me Tangere, as well as an annotation of Antonio de Morga’s Sucesos de las Islas Filipinas. It was declared a historical landmark in 1961 by the National Historical Commission. It was declared a national monument on July 9, 2008, under Resolution No. 12 by the National Historical Institute (now the National Historical Commission of the Philippines.
The province is celebrating its yearly Bagasbas Festival to commemorate the monument’s installation.
Diocesan Shrine of Jesus, The Black Nazarene of Capalonga
In Capalonga, Camarines Norte, there’s a miraculous image of Jesus the Black Nazarene. It is said to have been erected in the 17th century, and devotees have come here to see and seek divine intervention from Jesus, the Black Nazarene of Capalonga. Mass is celebrated daily in the shrine.
Inside the church compound, there’s a chapel dedicated to local Chinese worshipers, where they can offer prayers and burn incense to pray for their intentions.
Throughout the year, but especially during the May 13 town fiesta, worshippers and devotees visit the church to pay homage to the miraculous image of the Black Nazarene.
Turayog View Deck in Jose Panganiban
In Jose Panganiban, tourists come to Turayog Resort not only for its spring-water pool but also for the sweeping views from the view deck. Here, you can see a serene 360-degree view of the whole town, perfect for sightseeing and picture-taking. The view deck also offers a relaxing ambiance too.
Bulalacao Picnic Grove
Another relaxing destination in Jose Panganiban you should visit is Bulalacao Picnic Grove. Surrounded by verdant greens and dotted by cottages and picnic areas, the grove is an ideal place to unwind either alone or with your family. They have accommodations, a pool, and restaurants for those who want to stay longer. The best part? Waking up to amazing panoramic views of Paracale beaches and meteors at night.
Parroquia de Nuestra Señora de Candelaria
The stone church, Parroquia de Nuestra Señora de Candelaria, was built in 1611 by Franciscan friars and is considered the first church in Camarines Norte. It’s located in Paracale and is the church housing the miraculous image of Our Lady of Candelaria. If you’re in Pracale, make sure to visit this historical church.
Paracale Gold Mine Museum
Did you know that Paracale is a town that’s abundant in gold? That’s why mining activities are rampant here. You can learn more about its golden heritage through its mini museum in the municipal building of Paracale. You can see jewelry pieces made from gold sourced in their locality, crafted by local artisans too.
Mahabang Buhangin, Calaguas Island
Mahabang Buhangin is a long stretch of powdery white sand beach on Calaguas Island. The Calaguas Islands are located in the Municipality of Vinzons. It is known for its pristine beaches—the most popular among them is Mahabang Buhangin Beach, a long stretch of powdery white sand that reminds me of Boracay.
It’s famous among campers, who pitch tents in this area to camp overnight. Aside from the view and the vibe, what people love here is their sumptuous seafood dishes that you can try if you avail of tour packages.
To reach Calaguas, it takes about 10 to 12 hours by bus from Cubao to Daet, then ride a jeepney heading to Paracale or Vinzons port from Daet jeepney terminal for about 15 minutes.
Balagbag Island, Calaguas Group of Islands
Another island in the Calaguas Group of Islands that you need to see is Balagbag. More than the beach itself, tourists come here for a quick trek in the Balagbag Hills, which offers a majestic coastal scenery of the whole island. Visit Balagbag if you want to unwind and go sightseeing for a different kind of adventure.
Pasalubong Centers, Vinzons
What’s a trip without the quintessential pasalubong? Before leaving town, make sure to drop by the Pasalubong centers in Vinzons for your souvenir needs. Don’t forget to bring home Bicol delicacies such as pili snacks, sinantol, and laing to share with your family and friends back home! You can also buy famous local snacks like suman, puto, and other rice cakes. Don’t forget to sample their delicious hot chocolate drink made from locally produced tablea.
Parroquia De San Pedro Apostol in Vinzons
In Vinzons, there’s a 15th-century church that’s also known as St. Peter the Apostle Church. It’s one of the oldest quadricentennial churches in Camarines Norte, reportedly built in 1581 by Franciscan missionaries. After some natural disasters hit the church, it was renovated to preserve its beautiful structure. The church is now characterized by a statue of St. Peter on the facade and a bell tower.
How to go to Camarines Norte
By land
Take a bus at the PITX going to Daet, Camarines Norte. Travel time is about 9 hours.
By air
There are several flights from Manila to Naga City Airport. Travel time is around 1 hour and 20 minutes. Take a van or bus ride from Naga City to Daet or any of your preferred destinations in Camarines Norte.
Explore the wonders of Camarines Norte– pack your travel bags and embark on exciting new adventures in the Bicol region!
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Read:
- 5 Facts for the Calaguas Island Weekender
- Emerging Off-the-Beaten Paths of Camarines Norte
- CALAGUAS ISLAND TRAVEL GUIDE: Itinerary, How to get There and more
- Never Miss these 8 Fun Activities in Camarines Norte
